GLASSBORO, N.J. (NJCUGothicKnights.com) | Rowan University served 12 aces and was a perfect 43-for-43 on serve reception in a 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-12) victory over the New Jersey City University women's volleyball team in a New Jersey Athletic Conference match on October 11 at Esby Gymnasium.
 
Rowan (7-14, 3-2 NJAC) had a 12-0 margin in aces and withstood tests from NJCU (11-8, 0-5 NJAC) in the first two sets to sweep the match. The Profs didn't hit particularly well—just .140 overall (30-17-93)—but the Gothic Knights were held below .000 on attack for only the fourth time this season and the second day in a row, hitting -.013 (18-19-79). Rowan had a 69 percent sideout percentage in the match (34-69).
 
Setter Katelyn Paxson led Rowan with 12 assists, seven digs and five service aces. Megan Jacobi (seven kills, two solo blocks), Kailey Gallagher (six kills, three blocks) and Erica O'Hagan (six kills) also contributed to the offense while Rebecca Dantonio defended 11 digs.
 
Junior setter Rachel McIntyre (Drexel Hill, Pa./Upper Darby) had a double-double of 15 assists and 12 digs for NJCU. Senior middle hitter Shege Haxhaj (Lyndhurst, N.J./Lyndhurst) had five kills in 12 swings and three solo blocks while senior middle Elyssa Magee (Kearny, N.J./Kearny) also had three solo stuffs.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
There were nine ties and five lead changes in the first set. Tied 13-13, Rowan regained the lead and ahead 15-14, scored five of the next six points, aided by four NJCU errors. The Profs won the game by six.
 
Nine more ties and two lead changes ensued in the second set. Tied 17-17, Rowan uncorked four consecutive points and scored eight of the final nine points to win the game, 25-18. Paxson had four aces during the final rally.
 
NJCU led early in the third set, 4-2, before Rowan unleashed a 13-0 run to seize a 15-4 advantage and never looked back. After NJCU called timeout in the middle of the streak, the Profs countered with six kills over the next seven points.
 
OF NOTE:

• Series vs. Rowan: 32nd meeting. Rowan leads the all-time series, 29-3, and have won the last 10 meetings.

• Rachel McIntyre recorded her second double-double of the season and 14th of her career.

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
In an extremely early Senior Night, NJCU will play its final home match of the 2016 season on Thursday, October 13 (7 p.m.) when it hosts Kean University (13-8, 3-3 NJAC, Won 3) at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center (Coach Charlie Brown Court). NJCU will honor four-year players and 2016 co-captains Haxhaj and Magee prior to the match. After the match, NJCU will play its final nine matches of the season on the road or neutral courts.